The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is pleased to announce a one year NEH Fellowship, Assistant Conservator of Paintings
position in the Wayne and Nancy Chasen Family Paintings Conservation
Studio in Honor of Stephen Bonadies in the Susan and David Goode Center
for Advanced Study in Art Conservation. The Goode Center is a vibrant
research and training center dedicated to advancing the field of
conservation, art history, and science through joint study with
conservators, curators, scholars, and scientists. Opened in 2010, the
Goode Center is the largest conservation facility in the southeast and
is outfitted with advanced analytical and examination capabilities
including hyperspectral imaging, scanning and portable x-ray
fluorescence, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy, polarized light
microscopy, microfade testing, and computed x-radiography.
The Fellow will be expected to
undertake an in-depth, multifaceted research project that results in
either a publication or presentation at a professional conference. The
Fellow will also have public engagement and educational responsibilities
such as leading laboratory tours, speaking to visiting groups,
responding to public inquiries, and presenting conservation projects and
activities to museum visitors.
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduate level degree in art conservation specializing in paintings
from a recognized conservation training program or the equivalent
combination of experience, training, and education.
The successful candidate will also have:
Knowledge of currently acceptable conservation methods for treatment of a wide variety of paintings.
Knowledge of art history and historic methods of fabrication of a wide range of American, European, and contemporary paintings.
Demonstrated ability to perform historic and materials research.
Demonstrated ability to perform condition assessments, develop conservation treatment proposals, and execute treatments to a high degree of competency and efficiency.
Demonstrated ability to convey information in a clear, succinct, and accurate manner.
Demonstrated ability to perform analytical and examination techniques frequently used in conservation and experience in interpreting test results.
Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and in concert with others, and to be professional, diplomatic, and discreet.
Experience with common computer software programs.
Knowledge of safe methods for handling chemicals and hazardous materials based on OSHA standards.
Ability to wear a respirator.
- Experience in supervising interns.
- The selected candidate must pass a criminal history background check. The successful candidate must have established paperwork that enables them to work in the USA.
This position is open to the general public. It is a grant funded for one year and is expected to run from Sept. 2023-Sept. 2024.
The salary is $45,000/year for one year and includes a full benefits package and $4,000 for research related travel.